Sunderland vs Brighton ref watch: Three decisions Thomas Kirk got horribly wrong
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Credit: Imago Sunderland vs Brighton ref watch: Three decisions Thomas Kirk got horribly wrong Sat 14 March 2026 16:58, UK Thomas Kirk was facing pressure from all sides of the Stadium of Light as Sunderland and Brighton & Hove Albion clashed in the Premier League.Yankuba Minteh scored the all-important goal for the visitors on Saturday, 14 March, condemning Regis Le Bris’ side to a third-straight league defeat at home.Howard Webb’s officials have faced plenty of criticism this season, and this clash was no different, as both sets of supporters left the stadium frustrated by what they’d seen from Kirk.From a potential red card to the Seagulls’ winning goal, controversially not being ruled out, the referee made various contentious decisions, with Football Insider looking at three of the key ones.Read more: An ex-PGMOL chief loved what Thomas Kirk did in Crystal Palace vs Wolves recently.Thomas Kirk wrong to allow Yankuba Minteh goal to standThe Seagulls took the lead in bizarre circumstances. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES However, at the same time, Habib Diarra was down inside his own six-yard box after being thrown to the floor by Lewis Dunk, holding his head.
Referees have rarely ignored a head injury this season.While the initial coming together was not enough to injure the midfielder, replays showed his head making contact with Jan Paul van Hecke’s boot, and the referee should have paused play before the goal.Brighton incredibly lucky to keep 10 players on the pitchMinteh was involved once again.This time, just moments after lashing out at Luke O’Nien and picking up a yellow card, the winger bundles over a Sunderland player in a dangerous player.Yankuba Minteh could have seen red vs Sunderland. (Credit Imago)Had he not already been on a yellow card, it was likely a foul that would have earned him one.
Realising how close he was to being sent off, Fabian Hurzeler hooked him for Maxim De Cuyper.Read more: Sunderland fans have already made their feelings clear over Regis Le Bris’ future.Sunderland and Brighton fans fume at Kirk over time-wastingThere were moans and groans ringing around the stadium from all corners. And this was happening during most of the game, not just right at the end.Neither of the goalkeepers ended up with cautions from the referee, but they very easily could have done so due to some of the time-wasting on show at the Stadium of Light. 🦁 Premier League Insider Access Direct access to our dedicated top-flight hubs: Updated 24/7 with BREAKING NEWS and expert analysis on all 20 clubs